[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Curcuma longa
Family Zingiberaceae, the ginger family
Botany
Turmeric is a perennial, flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. The herb is grown for commercial purposes primarily within India.
The plant's roots are used in culinary and medicine. Its distinct deep orange color allows this herb to stand out in dishes like curry.
Curcuma longa is a different plant than Berberis aristata, known as tree turmeric.
Parts used: root (rhizome)
Historical use: Turmeric has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine.
Indian brides apply turmeric for protection and for glowing skin.
Phytochemistry
Curcumin is the main active component and is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can reduce swelling. used traditionally for supporting the immune system, liver function, joint support, and dyspepsia.
There are three types of curcuminoids present in turmeric.
Diferuloylmethane - is the primary constituent and is responsible for the herb’s bright yellow color.
Demethoxycurcumin
Bisdemethoxycurcumin
Also contains volatile oils (essential oils): tumerone, atlantone, and zingiberone
Sugars, proteins, and resins (Jurenka, J. S., 2009).
Tip: Always add black pepper to formulations with turmeric because it “activates” it/ increases the bioavailability of the herb’s benefits.
Therapeutic actions
Analgesic: relieves or diminishes pain
Astringent: contracts, tightens and binds tissues
Alterative: gradually restoring proper functioning to the body's metabolism
Anti-inflammatory: alleviate inflammation throughout the body.
Anti-bacterial: destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Anti-cancer
Anti-microbial: destroys and inhibits the growth of microorganisms
Antibiotic
Anthelmintic: destroy or expel parasitic worms.
Anti-spasmodic: prevents and eases spasms and relieves cramps
Cholagogue: increases the secretion and flow of bile production
Choleretic: aids the excretion of bile by the liver
Carminative: settles the digestive system and the expulsion of gas from the intestines
Emmenagogue: stimulates, regulates, and normalizes menstruation
Hepatoprotective
Hemostatic: arrests bleeding
Stimulant (circulatory): stimulates the physiological functions of the body
Vulnerary: prevents tissue degeneration and promotes healing of wounds.
Uses
Turmeric ingested and applied topically has statistically significant benefits for a range of skin issues and diseases (Vaughn, Alexandra R et al.).
Culinary
Golden milk/Haldedooth: milk, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom
A great way to incorporate turmeric into your daily routine for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Skincare
Turmeric is a common ingredient in skincare formulations because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, stimulant, and vulnerary properties.
Make a face mask for glowing skin with turmeric by mixing the herb with milk, and honey and apply to the skin twice a week.
Turmeric can be a remedy for dark undereyes. Mix a small amount of turmeric, coffee (I prefer dehydrated coffee), and buttermilk and apply to the under eyes. Leave on until dry and gently wash off with lukewarm water.
Turmeric can help with acne and brighten hyperpigmentation. This product contains turmeric, tea tree, and ginger and is advertised for acne and dark spots. The curcumin in turmeric can reduce swelling and inflammation in the skin, thus making it helpful for reducing the size of red, painful acne.
Safety
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says turmeric is safe when taken orally or applied to the skin in recommended amounts. But that some supplements that have been engineered to increase the bioavailability of compounds within turmeric may increase harmful effects as well as desirable effects.
The NCCIH says that turmeric may be unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when using above the amounts commonly found in food.
Works Cited
Vaughn, Alexandra R et al. “Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence.” Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 30,8 (2016): 1243-64. doi:10.1002/ptr.5640
“Turmeric.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, May 2020, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric.
Jurenka, J. S. (2009). Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Alternative Medicine Review, 14(2), 141-153. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19594223